IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishgive someone the runaround
Meaning: To put someone off with excuses instead of a straight answer.
Example: “The insurance company gave us the runaround for weeks.”
Origin: The person is sent running from one place to another and gets nowhere. American slang from the early 20th century.
Other ways to say this
French: Noyer le poisson Literally: To drown the fish
Japanese: お茶を濁す (ocha o nigosu) Literally: To muddy the tea
Russian: Заговаривать зубы (Zagovarivat' zuby) Literally: To talk someone's teeth away
Greek: Άλλα λόγια ν' αγαπιόμαστε Literally: Other words so we may love each other- English: muddy the waters
More English idioms
- let the grass grow under one's feet To waste time and miss opportunities.
- go through fire and water To face any danger or hardship for someone or something.
- up to one's ears in debt Deeply in debt.
- hand on heart Said when swearing that something is completely true.
- you'll live Said to someone making a fuss over a small injury or setback.
- with an iron fist With harsh, absolute control.
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